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ZTL fines with a rental car in Florence: what happens
If you drive a rental car through an active ZTL gate in Florence, the fine does not stay at the rental desk: it follows you home, sometimes months later. Here is how a ZTL fine with a rental car works, what the rental company may charge and how to avoid it.
- With a rental car, the person who rented it is liable for the fine.
- For people living abroad, the fine can be served up to 360 days after the offence.
- The simplest way to avoid it: park in a garage with its entrance outside the ZTL gates.
Who pays a ZTL fine on a rental car?
Under Italian law (article 196 of the Highway Code), when a car is rented without a driver, the renter is liable in place of the owner. According to Italy’s competition authority (AGCM), the rental company’s required role is to pass the renter’s details to the authority that issued the fine, which then serves the fine on the renter.
How long can it take to arrive?
The Italian Highway Code (article 201) gives the authorities 90 days to serve a fine, but for people living abroad the limit is 360 days from the offence. That is why many visitors only find out months after their trip.
Can the rental company charge a fee?
Many rental contracts include a handling fee for each fine. In 2024 Italy’s competition authority (AGCM) ruled the fee clauses of Hertz and of Avis Budget (Avis, Budget, Maggiore) unfair and fined both companies. Check your own contract for the current terms.
How do you pay or check a fine?
The Florence Municipal Police has an information page for people living abroad: you can pay by credit card online and view the photo of the violation. For help, write to firenze@myfines.it or call +39 055 0353400. Fines can also be paid through pagoPA using the details printed on the notice.
How to avoid a ZTL fine
- Park outside the gates. Firenze Parcheggi states that all its car parks have entrances and exits outside the ZTL gates.
- Staying inside the ZTL? Give your plate to the hotel or garage as soon as you arrive and use only the shortest route. Our hotel guide →
- Check the hours. The daytime ZTL runs Monday–Friday 7:30–20:00 and Saturday 7:30–16:00. How the ZTL works →
Frequently asked questions
Who gets the ZTL fine if I was driving a rental car?
Under Italian law, when a car is rented without a driver, the renter is liable in place of the owner. The rental company passes the renter’s details to the authority that issued the fine.
How long can it take for the fine to reach me abroad?
For people living outside Italy, Italian law allows the fine to be served within 360 days of the offence.
Will the rental company charge me a fee?
Many contracts include a handling fee per fine. In 2024 Italy’s competition authority (AGCM) ruled the fee clauses of Hertz and Avis Budget unfair: check your own contract.
How do I pay a Florence fine from abroad?
The Florence Municipal Police lets people abroad pay by credit card online and view the photo of the violation. Help is available at firenze@myfines.it or +39 055 0353400.
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This page explains the general rules and is not legal advice: for a specific fine, follow the instructions on the notice.
Sources: Italian Highway Code art. 196 (Brocardi) · Italian Highway Code art. 201 (Brocardi) · AGCM – Hertz decision CV243 (PDF) · AGCM – Avis Budget decision CV242 (PDF) · Florence Municipal Police – Fines information · Firenze Parcheggi – Car parks
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